Pre-Licensure Nursing
Declaration of a major in pre-nursing does not guarantee admission into the program. Students must formally apply and be admitted into the program before beginning the professional sequence of courses and/or proceeding into clinical placements. Admission to the upper-division nursing major is competitive, and priority is given to the best qualified students. Admission is based on cumulative GPA (3.00) minimum on all previous undergraduate college work and test scores. In addition to the academic requirements below, students are expected to adhere to the technical and professional standards and safe practice policies of the program. For the most up to date information regarding these standards, refer to the Nursing program website.
Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.00
When do students apply? To be considered for admission, all students must have completed, or be in the process of completing, 60 semester hours of college work, including program requirements. Applications from non-RNs are accepted twice per year. Refer to the nursing website (http://nursing.wcu.edu) for applicant deadlines.
Required Pre-requisites: To be considered for admission, all students must have completed, or be in the process of completing, 60 semester hours of college work, including program requirements.
Retention in the Program: Students must take and pass with a grade of C (2.00) or better all required courses in sequence and demonstrate professional and safe nursing practice. In addition, courses which combine selected content areas require the student to demonstrate competency in each content area by achieving a minimum exam score average of C (77%). For more information on retention policies in the nursing program, refer to the Nursing program website.
Pre-Licensure Nursing accelerated option (ABSN)
The accelerated option provides a fast track for students ready for a challenging transition to a career as a bachelor-of-science-educated registered nurse. The course requirements for the ABSN are the same as for the traditionally scheduled program, however the content is taught in four contiguous semesters. The ABSN option is based at the Biltmore Park campus in Asheville. Admission is based on cumulative GPA (3.00) minimum on all previous undergraduate college work and test scores. An interview with ABSN Admissions Committee (scheduled after application is complete) may be required.
Pre-licensure nursing accelerated option (ABSN) is only for persons who
• Already have a bachelor’s (or higher) degree in another discipline from an accredited college or university
• Have completed the prerequisites for the nursing major as listed on the website.
• In addition to the academic requirements below, students are expected to adhere to the technical and professional standards and safe practice policies of the program
Minimum GPA Requirement: 3.0 cumulative GPA from all undergraduate institutions.
When do students apply? Applicants are accepted once a year. Refer to the nursing website (http://nursing.wcu.edu) for application deadlines.
Retention in the Program: Students must take and pass with a grade of C (2.00) or better all required courses in sequence and demonstrate professional and safe nursing practice. In addition, courses which combine selected content areas require the student to demonstrate competency in each content area by achieving a minimum exam score average of C (77%). For more information on retention policies in the nursing program, refer to the Nursing program website.
Total number of hours for the program: 128.